WHC Nomination Documentation

File Name: 1011.pdf UNESCO Region: EUROPE AND THE NORTH AMERICA ______

SITE NAME: The Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots

DATE OF INSCRIPTION: 2nd December 2000

STATE PARTY: ARMENIA

CRITERIA: C (ii) (iii)

DECISION OF THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE:

Criterion (ii):The developments in ecclesiastical architecture represented in an outstanding manner by the Churches at Echmiatsin and the archaeological site of Zvartnots had a profound influence on church design over a wide region.

Criterion (iii): The Churches at Echmiatsin and the archaeological site of Zvartnots vividly depict both the spirituality and the innovatory artistic achievement of the Armenian Church from its foundation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS

The cathedral and churches of Echmiatsin and the archaeological remains at Zvartnots graphically illustrate the evolution and flowering of the Armenian central-domed cross- hall type of church, which exerted a profound influence on architectural and artistic development in the region.

1.b State, Province or Region: Armavir Marz (region)

1.d Exact location: 40° 9' N, 44° 17' E NOMINATION TO THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST

ECHMIATSIN AND THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF ZVARTNOTS

Presented by the

REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

YEREVAN 1999 Identification of the Property a. ARMENIA (REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA) b. Republic of Armenia, Armavir Marz (region) c. Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots d. Exact location (LAT 40 9,8' and LONG 44 17,6'), see the map A e. See the map B attached f. See the map C attached and aerial photograph

Justification for inscription a. The Armenian culture is one of the worlds's oldest. It carries all the layers of humankind civilisation. The beginning of the new period of the history of Armenia has to be considered the year 301AD, when Armenia has declared Christianity as its state religion. The great Armenian historian of the 5th century Agatangeghos (Agafangel in Greek) tells, that St Gregor Lousavorich (St Gregory Illuminator), first Patriarch of Armenia, had a vision: Christ came down from Heaven and touched the earth with a golden hammer. In that place a church has been build called Echmiatsin, i.e. the place where the only begotten descended.

Scholars have various interpretations about the primary construction of Echmiatsin Main Cathedral. In its present form the church is the result of reconstruction made in 5-7th centuries and belongs to the type of construction of cathedrals – central domed criss-cross hall. In fact, this cathedral is the prototype of all further constructions of the same type. Since 15th century Echmiatsin with the Main Cathedral and surrounding other buildings has served as the Mother See of Armenian Apostolic Church and the residence of All Armenian Catholikos. Besides the Main Cathedral, there are St Gayaneh Church, the St Hripsimeh Church, Sourb Astvatsatsin (Mother of Christ) Church, St Shoghakat Church and others (see the List of Monuments attached – Annex I). The majority of the monuments is in sufficient

3 condition and protected by the Headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic church, by the Municipality of Echmiatsin and the State Department on Protection and Preservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments.

Three separate areas are presenting for the inscription to World Heritage List under the nomination Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots. Those three areas are: i. First area – Mother Cathedral of Echmiatsin, the Saint Gayaneh Church and the surrounding protection zone. The area is about 30.2 hectar, which is divided as such: 18.8 hectar. Belongs to the Mother See of Echmiatsin (16.4 hectar. Mother Cathedral and surrounding constructions, 2,0 hectar. Church Saint Gayaneh and surrounding buildings, 0.4 hectar. Cemetery of Congregation), 11.4 hectar.- Belongs to the community of Echmiatsin city (See the map D and aerial photograph 1) ii. Second area – Saint Hripsimeh Church, Saint Shoghakat church and surrounding protection zone. This area is about 25.3 hectar, 6.2 hectar is the territory of Saint Hripsimeh Church, i.e. belongs to the Mother See. The rest of the territory 19.2 hectar belongs to the community of Echmiatsin City (See the map E) iii. Third Area – Archaeological site of Zvartnots with the ruins of Temple, King palace and other constructions and surrounding protecting zone and occupied about 18.8 hectar, belongs to the State Department of Protection and Preservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments (See the map F and aerial photograph 2)

The First and the Second areas together are surrounded with one common buffer zone, which is approximately 93 hectar. The Buffer zone of the Third area is 24 hectar. The territories of the buffer zones belong to the community of the City of Echmiatsin.

Protecting zones of the mentioned areas are surrounded with buffer zones. In the buffer zones it is forbidden to construct buildings higher than 8m. Close to the buffer zones some landscape zones are defined and protected in order to have a picturesque view of the monuments with the mountains Ararat and Aragats. b. As a comparative analysis it should be noted, that many early mediaeval Christian churches were constructed under the influence of

4 this central domed criss-cross hall type and it should be considered as a great achievement for that centuries to construct a coupola. See the "Vagharshapat" publication attached. c. As the evidence of the authenticity of the site of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots could be taken the bibliography of publications, which includes the historical manuscripts, the literature about the various periods of Armenian history, the research of architects and scholars. (see the list of Bibliography in the publication "Vagharshapat" attached). d. The Mother See of Echmiatsin with the Main Cathedral and other churches has an exceptional value for Armenians and for humankind as well. Actually, Echmiatsin is a symbol of Armenian identity and it is considered to be the assurance for the future, which has reached us through the ages. Apart from these, the Echmiatsin Mother Cathedral and the other churches with their surrounding buildings present the best and classical example of Armenian Architecture in all stages of developments. Finally, It should be stressed that the Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvatrnots fulfils all the criteria set out in paragraphs 24(b)-(i) of the Operational Guidelines.

Description a. The Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin is the most ancient Christian temple in Armenia. It was built in 301 - 303 by Gregor Lousavorich (Saint Gregory the Illuminator), the founder of the Armenian Apostolic church in Vagharshapat (the former name of Echmiatsin), a capital and religious centre of Armenia at that time.

The church of St. Hripsimeh (618 AD) represents the perfect type of cruciform plan and central cupola. Its dominant feature is the basic harmony of layout and proportions as well as the simplicity and classical purity of its facades, distinguish qualities of the Armenian architecture of the high Middle Ages.

Apart from the addition of a bell-tower in the 17th century, the monument has come down to us throughout the ages without any fundamental transformation. This church is justly rated as a masterpiece.

The Church of St. Gayaneh, built in Echmiadzin by order of the Catholikos Yezr in 630. The dating is confirmed by contemporary authors (Sebeos) and the church's construction and decor.

5 Slender and delicate proportions are distinguishing features of the cathedral. A dome and ceilings were rebuilt in 17th-century. This was also the time of adding an airy arch portico along the western facade - the burial place for the Armenian top clergy.

Certain ruins are more eloquent than undamaged buildings. The famous Temple of Zvarthnots, the masterpiece of Armenian architecture at the zenith of the Middle Ages, is a striking example.

The above mentioned three areas contains 275 monuments (see the List of the Monuments attached, see the map C). The other 31 monuments are placed in the other parts of the City, but they are under the State protection as well. b. Echmiatsin Cathedral was originally a vaulted basilica. Serious damage was caused to it as a result of unfavourable political upheavals. Restoration work in 480, in the days of Vahan Mamikonian, the Governor of Armenia, gave its present cruciform plan. In 618 Catholikos Komitas replaced the wooden cupola by an identical stone one; four powerful independent pillars connected by slender arcades with the exterior walls support its mass, of which those of the northern side belonged to the 4th and 5th centuries. This composition of the Cathedral has come down to our day almost unchanged. In front of the western entrance to the cathedral a three-tier belfry was built in the 17th century. The six-column rotundas on four-pillar bases, built at the beginning of the 18th century over the northern- eastern and southern apses, have given the cathedral a five-dome crowning. The interior murals, created by the Armenian painter N. Hovnatan in 1720, were restored and elaborated upon by his grandson H. Hovnatanyan in 1782-86. Rich gifts of church-plate and valuable pieces of art kept pouring into Echmiatsin as the Residence of the Catholikos. Three premises, now housing the monastery's museum, were annexed to eastern side of the cathedral in 1869 to keep these gifts in. On the monastery yard there are the buildings of the Catholikossat, a school, winter and summer refectories, a hostel, Trdat's Gate and other structures. They were built in 17th-19th centuries. On the initiative of Catholikos Vazgen I, restoration work on a scientific basis has recently been undertaken. Excavations have revealed finds of the pagan era, such as a sacrificial altar and an Urartyan stele in granite.

6 After 1675 years of existence, this Cathedral stands as the most ancient monument of Armenian architecture and the Mother See of all Armenians.

Zvartnots Archaeological Site is a unique sample of Armenian Architecture of the early Christian period. This Temple was built under Catholikos Nerses III, "The Builder" in the middle of the 7th century, when he relinquished the Catholikossal throne for a time in 652. After his return to office in 658, Nerses III completed the construction of the Temble, all its civil annexes and its ramparts in 622. Zvarthnots inaugurated an original expression in the Armenian religious architecture of the 7th century; consequently, it exerted determinant influence not only on the architecture of its time but on that of later centuries as well. Circular in layout and three tiered, this magnificent Temple had borrowed from earlier cruciform and central cupola's churches only their interior cruciform plan, which was set within walls circular on the inside but polyhedral on the outside. Refinements were worked out with extreme subtlety, particularly, basket weave or eagle decorated capitals, in the great variety of the exterior wall carving, in the fillets surrounding the windows, and even on the smallest surfaces. To the south-west of the Temple there was one of the most attractive monuments of Armenian civil architecture, the palace of Catholikos Nerses III. The vestiges of some wine cellars and granaries were discovered near the palace. Raised on a vast stepped plinth, around, a vertical axis, this imposing three-storied mass, sketched against the back-ground of the eternal summits of Mount Ararat, has become a hymn to the medieval Armenian architecture. The remains of Zvartnots and its related buildings, destroyed by an earthquake in the 10th century, were laid bare at the beginning of this century by the architect Thoros Thoramanian, who had conclude the first project of reconstruction.

It should be noted, that besides the above mentioned monuments, the City of Echmiatsin with it's urban constructions and buildings is also an interesting historical monument itself. Some of those buildings, dated 18th, 19th and the beginning of 20th centuries, have preserved and nowadays one may get some imagination about the urban constructions of those centuries (see the List of the monuments attached). There are many archaeological excavations and exhibits' showing that Echmiatsin (former Vagharshapat) was an ancient settlement and carries the influence of all periods of Armenian

7 History. The plan of the City in 3-4 centuries has been discovered by scholars and it is shown in the Pian 1. It was constructed and destroyed many times, because of the invasions of the enemies both from the East and from the West. At the end of 19th century the territories of the Mother See, the Congregation and the urban part of the city was equal. The population at that time was about 10.000. During the period of Soviet power, the city boundary was expanded and enriched with a number of beautiful constructions. Echmiatsin became a regional centre and the population grew up to 61,000 with the total territory of 2001,00 hectar. b. As a rule all documentation concerning the monuments, which are under the state protection is collecting in a special body named: Collecting Edition at the State Department of Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments. The dossiers of each monument are updating every five years. The last updating of the dossier of Echmiatsin City with all monuments dated 1996. c. The majority of monuments in the Areas I and II are in sufficient condition. Some of them are being renovated and for the others plans of restorations are prepared. The Mother See is taking care of the mentioned acting churches in co-ordination with the State Department of Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments and the Municipality of Echmiatsin City. Confident about the exceptional historical and cultural value of the monuments placed in Echmiatsin city and it's surroundings the Government of the Soviet Republic of Armenia in 30 January of 1945 has decided (Decision No 38) to improve the historical part of Echmiatsin (former Vagharshapat). In 14 May, 1948, the Council of Ministers of Soviet Republic of Armenia has granted (Decision No 559) to the Echmiatsin city State protection level. In 18 April, 1972 (Decision No 192) it was decided to include a several additional number of constructions into the List of the Monuments under the State protection level. As for 1980 in the Basic Plan of Echmiatsin city, 73 monuments were inscribed into the mentioned List and the above mentioned three areas, with their protecting and buffer zones, were defined. According to the decision No 709, dated 13 November, 1980, 41 monuments get State protection level and the other 32 – local protection and it was decided to create a "Historical Cultural Reservation – Museum "Vagharshapat"".

Since that time the following restoration and reconstruction was done in the "Vagharshapat" Reservation:

8 1952 – 1973, the conservation of Zvartnots Archaeological site and partly reconstruction of the church Saint Gregor. 1959, renovation of the church Saint Hripsimeh, 1965, renovation of the Mother Cathedral, 1970, renovation of the church Saint Gayaneh, 1978, restoration of the Bell tower of the church Saint Mariam Astvatsatsin, 1998, renovation of the building of Seminarium.

At present some restoration works of fortification are being done on some parts of the walls of the first tier of the Zvartnots Temple. Some exhibits are stored in a special place at the open air, but most of them are shown in the Museum, which was rebuilt in 1979 and has partially fired in 1992. The UNESCO WHF has allocated about USD 30.000, by the request under the Emergency Assistance, for the reconstruction of the Museum building. It was planned to finish the reconstruction of the Museum at the end of 1999. In 1997 the last General Plan, aimed at the development of tourism in Echmiatsin city on the eve of the celebration of the 1700 anniversary of the adoption of Christianity in Armenia, is adopted by the Government.

Management a. The owners of the mentioned property are: Mother See of Echmiatsin, Municipality of the city and the State Department on Protection and Preservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments. As one may see from the map attached, the acting churches and their immediate surroundings belong to the Mother See of Echmiatsin, the territories of protecting zones and buffer zones are mainly belong to the municipality of the city. The territory of the Archaeological site of Zvartnots is under the protection of the State Department on Protection and Preservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments. b. As for the legal status of the monuments included in the present nomination, it should be stressed that the protection is regulated by the National Law on Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments, in particular, by Articles 19, 21, 22, 36 and 45 (see the translation into English the key Chapters and the mentioned Articles attached). c. The majority of the monuments included in the nomination is under the state level of protection, which is mentioned in the List (see the

9 Annex I with the List of the Monuments enclosed) "State" (S). Some monuments or separate parts are under the regional level of protection, which is mentioned in the List as "Local" (L). Special body, in each marz (region), is responsible for the protection of the monuments in the territories governed by the regional authorities. The State Department on Protection and Preservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments is carrying out the control over the regional responsible bodies.

In the Headquarters of Mother See the staff responsible for the preservation of the Site is composed as such: A. Mother Cathedral

Architects – 2 Constructors - 3 Technicians - 2 Cleaning personnel - 20 Gardeners – 42 Wardens - 28

B. Territory of church Saint Gayaneh

Cleaning personnel - 4 Gardeners – 2 Wardens – 4

C. Church Saint Hripsimeh

Cleaning personnel - 4 Gardeners - 3 Wardens - 4

D. Territory of the church Saint Shoghakat

Cleaner - 1 Wardens - 3

Responsible person is the General Architect of Mother See: Mr. A. Goulikian, tel: 8 259. 5 59 68

For the territories belong to the municipality of Echmiatsin city the following bodies are responsible for: Office of the General Architect of the city

10 Architects - 2 Constructor - 1 Technician - 1

Union of the Community of Echmiatsin city

Director - 1 Deputy Director - 1 Deputy Director on Agriculture - 1

Section of improvement

Technician - 1 Engineers of Electricity - 3 Workers - 9 Wardens - 5

Plant verdure section

Specialists on Agriculture - 3 Workers - 22 Driver - 1 Gardeners – 3 Wardens - 2

Section of Sanitary Cleansing

Specialist - 1 Cleansing personnel - 22 Drivers - 2 Wardens - 2

For the territories belonging to the community of the city the responsible person is the General Architect of Echmiatsin Mr. H. Ayvazian, tel:....

The territories belonging to the State Department of Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments are governing by the Directorate of the "Zvartnots" Historical Cultural Reservation – Museum with the following staff:

Director - 1

11 Deputy Director - 1 Architect – 1 Protector of Exhibits - 1 Technician – 1 Cleansing personnel - 5 Workers - 4 Wardens - 7

The person responsible for this "Zvartnots" Reservation – Museum is the Head of the State Service of Protection of Historical Cultural Environment: Mr. A. Arakelyan: tel. 56 43 37

E. The sources of financing is composing as follows: Governmental Municipality of Echmiatsin Mother See of Echmiatsin Armenian Fund of Protection of Historical Cultural Monuments Personal donations. d. Echmiatsin is one of the most visited sites in Armenia. Every year many tourists and pilgrims are visiting Mother Cathedral and other monuments. In the 1980's about 220.000 tourists and pilgrims visited Echmiatsin, but after the economic crisis the number of tourists and pilgrims has declined and nowadays it is approximately 40.000. The government of Armenia is expecting the enlargement of tourism in Armenia with the forthcoming celebration of 1700th anniversary of adoption of Christianity. Along with the prosperity in the country, links to the changing of the transition economy into the developing economy, number of facilities in the nominating site is become available for tourists and pilgrims. There is a Museum inside the Mother Cathedral and the Treasury next to the Veharan – Residence of All Armenian Catholikos. The exhibition shows traditional attributes of the Mass in the Armenian church and the exclusive samples of Armenian arts and handicrafts. A visitor may learn a lot about Armenian traditions and rites. High-qualified guides speaking different languages will tell about the history of Echmiatsin, about Armenians and about their traditions. Besides, there are also many possibilities to spend a nice time: restaurants, cafe's at he open air, souvenir shops, car parking, lavatories, medical service etc. e. Responsible bodies of Armenian Government is working on the Management Plan of Echmiatsin and Archaeological Site of Zvartnots.

12 The plan will include the further restorations of the monuments and the undertakings aimed at the development of tourism.

Factors Affecting the Property

a. The environmental situation in the region could be considered as a sufficient one. There are some small factories in the city, which affect the monuments. But it should be noted that the majority of the monuments were built of a local kinds of stone and they are resisting to climate and ecological changes. However different bodies and services are taking care of the conditions of stone conservation. Even though there are many Armenian high-qualified specialists in stone conservation, it will be very productive to organise training and workshops for those, who want to share their experience with the specialists of the same field in other countries.

b. The next great problem for Armenia are the earthquakes, which take place in the region very often. In the field of anti-seismic undertaking Armenian specialists are also very successful, but it doesn't mean, that there are no problems. The State Department on Projection of Historical and Cultural Monuments is going to establish a special laboratory for research of the seismic fortification. d. The number of inhabitants in the protecting zone of Area I (Mother Cathedral and the Church Saint Gayaneh) is 405, 160 of them are clergymen and the personnel of the Mother See and 245 – inhabitants of the City of Echmiatsin. In the buffer zone of the Area I the number of inhabitants is 10,540. e. The number of inhabitants in the protecting zone of Area II (Church Saint Hripsimeh and Church Saint Gayaneh) is 820, among them – 5 clergymen. f. The number of inhabitants of the protecting zone of Area III (Archaeological Site of Zvartnots) is 3, who are, in fact, the wardens of the site.

The number of inhabitants of the common buffer zone of Area I and Area II is 195.

13 Monitoring

As one may see from the information given above, three different levels of special bodies are existing for the monitoring of the property. These are: a. responsible specialists from the Mother See b. responsible employees of the Municipality c. responsible specialists from the State Department of Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments.

The responsible persons are supervising the property and are in close co- operation with each other.

Documentation

The following documents are enclosed:

Albums of photographs - 3 Files of applications of nomination – 3 Albums of slides - 3 Publication "Vagharshapat" , 1998, Italy - 3 Videofilm about the nominating site – 1 Diskette containing the documentation - 1

On behalf of the State Party:

Dr. Varduhi Asaturian

------(signature)

Title: Secretary General

Armenian National Commission for UNESCO

14 LIST OF MONUMENTS OF THE CITY OF ECHMIATSIN

No. Prot The title of the Date of Address level Comments ectin Monument constructi of g on prot num ectio ber n 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7 1. 1. Settlement 3-2 mill. Eastern Local Zvartnots BC part (L) 2. 2. hause end of 19th 4, Movses L century Khorenatsi str. 3. 3. hause 1st half of 8, L 20th cent. Alaverdian street 4. 4. hause end of 19th 10, Repu century Alaverdian blica street n (R) 5. 5. hause 1947 37, L Baghramian street 6. 6. hause 1st half of 46, Issy le L 19th cent. Moulinot street 7. 7. hause 1950 79. L Mashtots street 8. 8. hause 1870 8, Melikian L street 9. 9. hause end of 19th 12, L century Melikian street 10. 10 hause end of 19th 14, L century Melikian street 11. 11 hause end of 19th 16, L century Melikian street 12. 12 hause beginning 10, L of 20th Shahoumian century street 13. 13. hause begining of 12, L 20th Shahoumian century street 14. 14 hause beginning 16, L of 20th Shahoumian century street 15. 15 hause 1880's 18, L Shahoumian street 16. 16 hause beginning 21, L of 20th Shahoumian century street 17. 17 hause 1914 51, L Shahoumian street

1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 18. 18 Cemetery of Congregation 17 – 20 cent 300m Saut- S East from (C C) the city Echmiatsin

19. 18.1 tomb stone 1271 in the C C L Mghtes Poghosi 20. 18.2 tomb stone 1648 in the C C L Martiros Vardapeti 21. 18.3 tomb stone 1651 in the C C L Movses Vardapeti 22. 18.4 tomb stone 1651 in the C C L Lousarar Hakobi 23. 18.5 tomb stone 1651 in the C C L Touman Vardapeti 24. 18.6 tomb stone 1653 in the C C L Tntes Hovhani 25. 18.7 tomb stone 1653 in the C C L Nikoghos Vardapeti 26. 18.8 tomb stone 1657 in the C C L Movses Khozantsu 27. 18.9 tomb stone 1657 in the C C L Tntes Davti 28. 18.10 tomb stone 1658 in the C C L Simon Vardapeti 29. 18.11 tomb stone 1659 in the C C L Ter Poghosi 30. 18.12 tomb stone 1661 in the C C L Karapeti 31. 18.13 tomb stone 1662 in the C C L Danieli 32. 18.14 tomb stone 1662 in the C C L Beghasei 33. 18.15 tomb stone 1662 in the C C L Martiros Episkoposi 34. 18.16 tomb stone 1664 in the C C L Hovhannes Vardapeti 35. 18.17 tomb stone 1668 in the C C L Manuel Vardapeti 36. 18.18 tonb stone 1669 in the C C L Atomi 37. 18.19 tomb stone 1669 in the C C L Mahtesi Astvatsatouri 38. 18.20 tomb stone 1670 in the C C L Arakel Davrijecou 39. 18.21 tomb stone 1671 in the C C L Kirakosi 40. 18.22 tomb stone 1671 in the C C L Ter Hakobi 41. 18.23 tomb stone 1672 in the C C L Ter Hovhannesi 42. 18.24 tomb stone 1672 in the C C L Ghoukas Episkoposi 43. 18.25 tomb stone 1673 in the C C L Voskan Baghishetsou 44. 18.26 tomb stone 1673 in the C C L Mkrtchi 45. 18.27 tomb stone 1674 in the C C L Yesayou 46. 18.28 tomb stone 1675 in the C C L Sargsi 47. 18.29 tomb stone 1676 in the C C L Ter Grigori 48. 18.30 tomb stone 1676 in the C C L Mahtesi Grigori 49. 18.31 tomb stone 1679 in the C C L Saroukhani 50. 18.32 tomb stone 1679 in the C C L Khachatour Vardapeti 51. 18.33 tomb stone 1683 in the C C L Movses Pilisopayi 52. 18.34 tomb stone 1683 in the C C L Eghiazari

53. 18.35 tomb stone 1684 in the C C L Atanas Vardapeti 54. 18.36 tomb stone 1685 in the C C L Eremia Vardapeti 55. 18.37 tonb stone 1686 in the C C L Khachatour Vardapeti 56. 18.38 tomb stone 1686 in the C C L Movses Vardapet Tatevatsou 57. 18.39 tomb stone 1688 in the C C L 58. 18.40 tomb stone 1688 in the C C L Simoni 59 18.41 tomb stone 1689 in the C C L Simon Episkoposi 60. 18.42 tomb stone 1692 in the C C L Ter Khachatouri

2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 61. 18.43 tonb stone 1967 in the C C L Kirakosi 62. 18.44 tomb stone 1697 in the C C L Mahtesi Gevorgi 63. 18.45 tomb stone 1698 in the C C L Simon Vardapeti 64. 18.46 tomb stone 1700 in the C C L Mkrtich Vardapeti 65. 18.47 tomb stone 1700 in the C C L Hovsep Vardapeti 66. 18.48 tomb stone 1701 in the C C L Melkoni 67. 18.49 tomb stone 1702 in the C C L Ter Nahapeti 68. 18.50 tomb stone 1702 in the C C L Ter Hovhannesi 69. 18.51 tomb stone 1704 in the C C L Hovhannes Vardapeti 70. 18.52 tomb stone 1704 in the C C L Grigor Vardapeti 71 18.53 tomb stone 1704 in the C C L Movsesi 72. 18.54 tomb stone 1705 in the C C L Eprem Vardapeti 73. 18.55 tomb stone 1706 in the C C L Karapet Vardapeti 74. 18.56 tomb stone 1708 in the C C L Dadiel Vardapeti 75. 18.57 tomb stone 1709 in the C C L Ohan Vardapeti 76. 18.58 tomb stone 1711 in the C C L Ter Petrosi 77. 18.59 tonb stone 1712 in the C C L Ter Gaspari 78. 18.60 tomb stone 1713 in the C C L Abraham Vardapeti 79. 18.61 tomb stone 1714 in the C C L Kirakos Vardapeti 80. 18.62 tonb stone 1719 in the C C L Nerses Vardapeti 81. 18.63 tomb stone 1719 in the C C L Mesropi 82. 18.64 tomb stone 1719 in the C C L Ghazar Vardapeti 83. 18.65 tomb stone 1720 in the C C L Sahak Vardapeti 84. 18.66 tomb stone 1720 in the C C L Lousarar Martirosi 85. 18.67 tomb stone 1720 in the C C L Yesayou 86. 18.68 tomb stone 1721 in the C C L Saraji 87. 18.69 tomb stone 1724 in the C C L Hovhannes Vardapeti 88. 18.70 tomb stone 1729 in the C C L Ratevos Vardapeti 89. 18.71 tomb stone 1729 in the C C L Nikoghos Vardapeti 90. 18.72 tomb stone 1732 in the C C L Sargsi 91. 18.73 tomb stone 1734 in the C C L Vardevani 92. 18.74 tomb stone 1734 in the C C L Ter Hovhannesi 93. 18.75 tomb stone 1736 in the C C L Mesrop Episkoposi 94. 18.76 tomb stone 1736 in the C C L Stepanos Vardapeti 95. 18.77 tomb stone 1736 in the C C L Grigor Vardapeti 96. 18.78 tomb stone 1737 in the C C L Ter Barseghi 97. 18.79 tomb stone 1737 in the C C L Yeremiaji 98. !8.80 tomb stone 1738 in the C C L Maghaqi 99. 18.81 tomb stone 1739 in the C C L Daniel Vardapeti 100 18.82 tomb stone 1740 in the C C L Zakariaji 101 18.83 tomb stone 1744 in the C C L Mkrtich Vardapeti 102 18.84 tomb stone 1745 in the C C L Khachatour Vardapeti 103 18.85 tomb stone 1745 in the C C L Haroutyoun Abeghaji 104 18.86 tomb stone 1746 in the C C L Hovhan Yepiskoposi 105 18.87 tomb stone 1749 in the C C L Petros Vardapeti 106 18.88 tomb stone 1757 in the C C L Grigor Vardapeti 107 18.89 tomb stone 1757 in the C C L 108 18.90 tomb stone 1757 in the C C L Grigori

3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 109 18.91 tomb stone 1758 in the C C L Gevork Vardapeti

110 19. Church Sourb Astvatsastin (Mother of Christ), dated 1767 AD, located in the administrative centrum, protection level - Republican (R).

111 19.1 Bell tower 1767 near to the L reconstructed in church 1983 112 19.2 cross -stone 1472 inside the L church 113 19.3 cross -stone 1581 inside the L church 114 19.4 cross-stone 1596 inside the L church 115 19.5 cross-stone 1655 inside the L church 116 19.6 cross-stone 12th cent. inside the L church 117 19.7 cross-stone 16th cent. inside the L church 118 19.8 cross-stone 16th cent inside the L church

119. 20. Church Sourb Gayaneh, dated 630AD to 20th Century, located in the Sauthern part of the city, protection level - Rebublican (R).

120 20.1 cross-stone 10th cent. inside the L churh 121 20.2 cross-stone 10th cent. inside the L church 122 20.3 cross-stone 12-13th inside the L centuries church 123 20.4 cross-stone 15-16th inside the L centuries church 124 20.5 Gavith (a structure lead 1688 connected R into the High Altar ) to the church 125 20.5. 1 cross-stone 1456 inside the L Gavith 126 20.5.2 cross-stone 1599 inside the L Gavith 127 20.5..3 cross-stone 1642 inside the L Gavith 128 20.5.4 cross-stone 11-12th inside the L centuries Gavith 129 20.5.5 cross stone 11-12th inside the L centuries Gavith 130 20.5.6 cross-stone 12-13th inside the L centuries Gavith 131 20.5.7 cross-stone 15-16th inside the L centuries Gavith 132 20.5.8 cross-stone 15-16th inside the L centuries Gavith 133 20.5.9 cross-stone 16th inside the L century Gavith 134 20.5.10 tomb stone 1651 inside the L Nerses Vardapeti Gavith

4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 135 20.5.11 tomb stone 1692 inside the S Catholokos Gavith Yeghiazar Ajntaptsi 136 20.5.12 tomb stone 1735 inside the S Catholokos Gavith Abraham Mshetsi 137 20.5.13 tomb stone 1751 inside the S Catholikos Ghazar Gavith 138 20.5.14 tomb stone 1754 inside the S Catholikos Minas Gavith Aknetsi 139 20.5.15 tomb stone 1763 inside the S Catholikos Hakob Gavith Shamakhetsi 140 20.5.16 tomb stone 1781 inside the S Catholikos Simeon Gavith Yerevantsi 141 20.5.17 tomb stone 1800 inside the S Catholokos Gavith Ghoukas Karnetsi 142 20.5.18 tomb stone 1802 inside the S Catholikos Hovsep Gavith Arghoutiani 143 20.5.19 tonb stone 1812 inside the L Arqhepiskopos Gavith Barseghi 144 20.5.20 tomb stone 1829 inside the L Soghomon Gavith Hovsepiani 145 20.5.21 tomb stome 1829 inside the L Voski Gavith enakopiantsi 146 20.5.22 tomb stone 1842 inside the L Tovma Hovsepiani Gavith 147 20.5.23 tomb stone 1866 inside the S Catholikos Gavith Matteos A. Constandinople 148 20.5.24 tomb stone 1939 inside the S Catholikos Khoren Gavith A.-i 149 20.7 Cemetery 10-20th 80m to the S centuries West from the church 150 20.7.1 tomb 1896 in the S Vardan Aboviani cemetery 151 20.7.2 tomb 1912 in the S Khenti (Samson cemetery Ter Poghosiani) 152 20.7.3 tomb 1956 in the S Makhloutoi cemetery (Smbat Boroyani) 153 20.7.4 cross-stone 10th cent. in the L Cemetery 154 20.7.5 cross-stone 10-11th in the L cent. cemetery 155 20.7.6 cross stone 12-13th in the L cent. cemetery 156 20.7.7 cross stone 14-16th in the L cent cemetery 157 20.7.8 cross stone 15-16th in the L . cent cemetery 158 20.8 Cemetery 19-20th in the L cent church yard 159 20.9 Spring Monument 1960 in the L church yard 160. 20.10. Spring Monument 1983 in the L church yard

5 161 20.11 The Building of 1880's 40m to the S Congregation West from the Church 162 20.11.1 cross-stone 1642 in the L building of Congregatio n 163 20.12 Bacement 1764 in the L church yard 164 20.13 Well 7th cent and in the L 1845 AD church yard

165. 21. Church of Sourb Hripsimeh, dated 618AD, located in the Eastern part of the city, close to the cross-road of Mashtots street and Narekatsi street, State protection level 166 21.1 cross stone 9th century inside the S church 167 21.2 tomb stone 1656AD inside the S Catholikos Pylipos church Haghbaketsi 168 21.3 Bell Tower 1790 close to the S . church 169 21.3.1. tomb stone 1726 in the Bell S Catholikos Tower Astvatsatour Hamadantsi 170 21.3.2 tomb stone 1730 in the Bell S Catholikos Tower Karapet B. Oulnetsou 171 21.4 church 4-5th in the S centuries church yard 172 21.5 house 1894 40m to S Sauth-west from the church 173 21.6 Spring Monument 1960's in the Church yard 174 21.7 Bacement 1764 in the L Church yard 175 21.8 Cemetery 4-19th 50m to the S centuries east from the Church 176 21.8.1 cross stone 1195 50m to the S East from the church in a Cemetery 177 21.8.2 cross stone 1424 --.-.-.-.-.-. R 178 21.8.3 cross stone 1481 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. S 179 21.8.4 cross stone 1552 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 180 21.8.5 cross stone 1692 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- L 181 21.8.6 cross stone 12-13th -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. L centuries 182 21.8.7 cross stone 16th -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- L century . 183 21.8.8 cross stone 16th -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- L century

6 21.8.9 cross stone 16th 50m to the L century East from the church in a Cemetery 185 21.8.10 cross stone 16th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. L 186 21.8.11 cross stone 16th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.- L 187 21.8.12 cross stone 16th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.- L 188 21.8.13 cross stone 16th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.- L 189 21.8.14 cross stone 16th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.- L 190 21.8.15 cross stone 16th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.- L 191 21.8.16 cross stone 16th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.- L 192 21.8.16 cross stone 16th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.- L 193 21.8.16 cross stone 16th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.- L 194 21.8.16 cross stone 16th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.- L 195 21.8.16 cross stone 16th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.- L 196 21.8.16 cross stone 16th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.- L 197 21.8.22 Walls 1776, 1894 suuround S the Church 198 21.8.23 Gate 16-17th 150m to the L centuries North from the Church

200. 22. Church Sourb Shoghakat, dated 1694AD, located close to the crossroad of Nalbandian and Sahak Partev streets, State protection level (S) 201 22.1 Gavith 1694 connected S to the Shoghakat church 202 22.1.1 tomb stone 1706 inside the S Catholikos church Nahapet A. Yedesatsi 203 22.1.2 tomb stone 1738 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S Catholikos Abraham C. Cretatsi 204 22.2 Cemetery 19th cent in the S church yard 205 22.3 church 4-5th near to the S centuries crossroad of Sahak Partev and Mashtors streets

206 23. Sculpture of Khachatour Abovian, a famous Armenian writer, dated 1947AD, Protection level (S).

207 24. Sculpture of Stepan Shahoumian, Revolutioner, dated 1961AD, located in the city park, protection level (S)

208 25. Sculpture of Rafael Patkanian, a famous Armenian Poet, dated 1901AD, located at the entrance of the Seminarium, protection level (S) 209 26. Monument-Guide "Eagle", dated 1957, located at the entrance of Zvartnots Temple, protection level (S).

7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

210. 27. Building of the Hospital, dated end of 19th century, located 200m to the South from the Main Cathedral, Protection level (S).

211. 28. A Monument devoted to the Russian soldiers perished at the Russia-Persian War of 1827, dated 1833, protection level (S)

212. 29. A Memorial of the Second World War, dated 1970AD, located at the border of Mashtots street, protection level (S)

213. 30. Komitas Monument, a famous Armenian Composer, dated 1969, located in the administrative centrum of the city, Protection level (S).

214. 31. Monument of Komunars, dated 1953AD, located in the City Park, protection level (S).

215. 32. Monument of the famous poet Hovhannes Hovhannesian, dated 1959, located close to the crossroad of Movses Khorenatsi and Araratian streets, protection level (S).

216. 32.1 Museum of the famous poet Hovhannes Hovhannesian, end of 19th century, located close to the crossroad of Movses Khorenatsi and Araratian streets, protection level (S).

217. 33. Monument of Mesrob Mashtots, 1981AD, located in the city centrum, protection level (S).

218. 34. Monument of Anastas Mikoyan, 1944, in the city park, protection level (S).

219. 35. COMPLEX OF ZVARTNOTS TEMPLE , dated 5-7 centuries AD, 500m to the South from Yerevan – Echmiatsin highway. protection level (S)

220 35.5 Temple 5-7 in the S centuries territorty of the complex 221 35.2 Bathroom half of 7th in the S century territory of comlex 222 35.3 Throne Hall 652-662AD in the S territory of complex 223 35.4 Hall 652-662AD in the S territory of complex 224 35.5 Church half of 5th in the S century territory of complex 225 35.6 The Museum building 1937AD in the L territory of complex 226 35.6.1 cross-stone 7th century in the S Museum 227 35.6.2 Fallos 2-1th cent in the S BC Museum 228 35.7 Monument of Toros 1985AD in the S . Toramanian Territory of Comlex

8 229 35.8 Monument 7th cent BC in the S territory of complex 230 35.9 Hndzan (storage) 7th cent AD in the S . territory of complex 231 35.10 Seghanatoun 7th cent AD in the S (meals room) territory of complex 232 35.11 well 7th cent AD in the S territory if complex 233 35.12 Surrounding Fortressing 7th cent AD in the S Walls territory of complex

234 36. COMPLEX OF MAIN CATHEDRAL, 303AD to 20th century, located 200m to South-West from the crossroad of Movses Khorenatsi and Araratian streets, protection level (S)

235 36.1 Main Cathedral 303AD to 270m to S 17th South-West century from the crossroad of Movses khorenatsi and Arartian streets 236 36.1.1 Bell Tower 1653- to the West S 1658AD from the Cathedral 237 36.1.2 Treasury 1869AD in the S territory of complex 238 36.1.3 cross stone 9th century -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. S 239 36.1.4 cross stone 9th century -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. S 240 36.1.5 cross-stone 1148AD -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. S 241 36.1.6 cross-stone 1171AD -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. S 242 36.1.7 cross-stone 1218AD -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. S 243 36.1.8 cross stone 1233AD -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. S 244 36.1.9 cross-stone 1273AD -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. S Amenaprkich 245 36.1.10 cross-stone 1287AD -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. S 246 36.1.11 cross-stone 1297AD --.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 247 36.1.12 cross-stone 13th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 248 36.1.13 cross-stone 13th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 249 36.1.14 cross-stone 13th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 250 36.1.15 cross-stone 13th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 251 36.1.16 cross-stone 13th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 252 36.1.17 cross stone 13th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 253 36.1.18 cross-stone 1304AD -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 254 36.1.19 cross-stone 14th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 255 36.1.20 cross-stone 1451AD -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 256 36.1.21 cross-stone 1451AD -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 257 36.1.22 cross-stone 1495AD -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 258 36.1.23 cross-stone 15th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 259 36.1.24 cross-stone 1543AD -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 260 36.1.25 cross-stone 1569AD -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 261 36.1.26 cross-stone 16th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S

9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 262 36.1.27 cross-stone 16th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 263 36.1.28 cross-stone 1600 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 264 36.1.29 cross-stone 1601 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 265 36.1.30 cross-stone 1602 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 266 36.1.31 cross stone 1602 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 267 36.1.32 cross-stone 1602 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 268 36.1.33 cross-stone 1602 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 269 36.1.34 cross-stone 1603 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 270 36.1.35 cross-stone 1639 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S Winged 271 36.1.36 cross-stone 1745 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 272 36.1.37 cross-stone 1965 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S Memorial of the victims of Genocide of 1915 in Turkey 273 36.1.38 Monument "Milksource" 1967 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 274 36.1.39 Monument 8-7th cent -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S BC 275 36.1.40 Monument 1603 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 276 36.1.41 Memorial 1982 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S devoted to Khrimian Hajrik 277 36.1.42 tomb-stone 1808 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S Daniel Pajazettsi 278 36.1.43 tomb stone 1842 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S Hohannes Karbetsi 279 36.1.44 tomb stone 1857 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S Nerses Ashtaraketsi 280 36.1.45 tomb-stone 1882 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S Gevorg VTpkhisetsi 281 36.1.46 tomb-stone 1892 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S Makar A-i 282 36.1.47 tomb-stone 1907 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S Mkrtich Khrimian Hajriki 283 36.1.48 tomb-stone 1910 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S Matteos B Konstandnoupolst si 284 36.1.49 tomb-stone 1930 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S Gevorg F Tpkhisetsi 285 36.1.50 tomb stone 1954 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S All Armenin . Catholikos Gevorg F 286 36.2 House 1894 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- S 287 36.3 Hotel building 1st half of 100m to S "Ghazarapat" 18th cent Weat from the Cathedral 288 36.4 Manuscript building 1903 100m to the S North-East from the Cathedral 289 36.5 Meals house 1st half of 35m to the S 17th cent South from Cathedral 290 36.6 Veharan, i.e. the 1738-1741 50m to the S the old building Residence of Catholikos North-West from the Cathedral 291 36.6.1 cross-stone 13th cent in old S Veharan 292 36.6.2 cross-stone 1308 in old S Veharan 293 36.6.3 cross-stone 1976 80m to the S

10 West from old Veharan 294 36.7 Veharan, the Residence 1910 100m to the S New building of Catholikos West from the Cathedral 295 36.8 Publishing house 1771 80m from S the South- East 296 36.9 Monument "Trdatadour", 17th 35m to the S i.e.Gates of King Trdat century West from Cathedral 297 36.10 Monument "Yeremian 1894 80m to the S Cells" East from VCathedral 298 36.11 Monument "Nersesian 1846 220m to the R Lake" South-West from Cathedral

299 37. Building of Gevorkian Seminarium, dated 1873, 80m South from the crossroad of Araratian and Movses Khorenatsi streets, Protection level (S).

300. 37.1 Observatory, 1914, 100m to the South from Seminarium, Protection level (S).

301. 37.2 Dormitery, 1879AD, 30m to the East from the Seminarium. Protection level (S)

302 37.3 Hospital Building, the beginning of 20th cent, 120m to the South-East from Seminarium, protection level (S)

303 37.4 School building, end of 19th century, 170m to the East from Seminarium, protection level (S)

304 38. Building of the Culture Centre, 1954, Mashtots street, protection level (S)

305 39. Building of "Zvartnots" vine factory, dated 1950's, Mashtots street, 80m South from Church Hripsimeh, protection level (S)

306 40. Building of "Zvartnots" Company, dated 50's, address: 83, Mashtots street, protection level (S).

11

Annex II

THE LAW OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

adopted by the National Assembly on 11 November 1998

ON THE PROTECTION AND UTILAZATION OF THE IMMOVABLE HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL MONUMENTS AND HISTORICAL SITES

Chapter 1. General Clauses

Article 1. Historical and Cultural immovable monuments Article 2. Legislation of the Republic of Armenia on the Protection and Utilisation of the Monuments Article 3. The Aim and the Tasks of the Law of the Republic of Armenia on the Protection and Utilisation of the Immovable Historical and Cultural Monuments and Sites (consists of 6 paragraphs. Article 4. Objects of the Field of the Protection and Utilisation of Monuments Article 5. Subjects of the Field of the Protection and Utilisation of Monuments (consists of 4 paragraphs) Article 6. Classification of Monuments (4 classes of monuments exist under the protection) Article 7. The Prohibition of Discrimination in the field of Protection and Utilisation of Monuments on the Basis of Politics, Ideology, Religion, Race or Nationality.

Chapter 2. Responsibilities of the State Governmental and Local Governmental Bodies for the Protection and Utilisation of Monuments

Article 8. Responsibilities of the Government of the Republic of Armenia on the Protection and Utilisation of Monuments (consists of 8 paragraphs) Article 9. Responsibilities of the Special Body for the Protection and Utilisation of Monuments (consists of 15 paragraphs). Article 10. Responsibilities of Regional Bodies for the Protection and Utilisation of Monuments (consists of 4 paragraphs). Article 11. Responsibilities of Local Bodies for the Protection and Utilisation of Monuments (consists of 9 paragraphs)

Chapter 3. Regulations for the State Registration of Monuments

Article 12. Registration of the State Monuments Article 13. Preparation of the State List of the Monuments Article 14. Inclusion or exclusion of New Monuments into the List

Chapter 4 Provision of the Protection of Monuments and Historical Sites

Article 15. The System of Provision of Protection of Monuments and Historical Sites (consists of 8 Articles). b) Definition of the protecting zones of the monuments c) Creation of Historical and Cultural Reservations e) Security and Control of the Protection of the Territories with Monuments.

Article 16. The Territory of Monuments, Protecting Zones, Their Status and the Regime of Utilisation.

The territory of the monument is the territory of its location and the surrounding territories, which are connected to it and legally allocated as such. For the purposes of the protection of the Monuments and their historical environment, for highlighting of their historical and cultural value, for their purposeful utilisation and for the picturesque views a system of protecting zones and a regime of the utilisation is defined. . The System of the protecting zones may include the following: a) the protecting zone of the monument, b) the zone of the surrounding constructions c) the protecting zone of the landscape.

The above mentioned zones should be the basic background for the adoption of the plans of constructions of the regions, cities and other settlements. Article 17. The Historical and Cultural Reservations, Their Status and the Regime of Functioning Article 18. Protection and Provisions of Security for the Monuments located in the Especially protected Natural Sites. Article 19. Co-ordination of the Plans of Constructions and Reconstruction of Settlements with Monuments.

The plans of constructions or reconstructions of settlements with monuments, the exercising draft plans should be co-ordinated with responsible bodies. In order to provide the special protection of the settlements with historical monuments, to protect their historical and cultural environment and to achieve a picturesque view of the site, a historical, cultural based document should be prepared first. The historical cultural based plans should be prepared by the responsible body and adopted by the state governing regional body. Article 20 Protection of Newly found Monuments and the Provision of Security Article 21. Prohibition of Destruction of Monuments. The regulations on Moving or reshaping of Monuments. The destruction of monuments is prohibited. The moving of the monuments under the local and governmental protection level, and the reshaping of monuments under the Governmental protection level could be realised only in exceptional cases by the permission of the Government of the Republic of Armenia. The reshaping of monuments under the local protection needs the permission of regional governing bodies. The permission about moving or reshaping of monuments could be given only after the conclusions of the responsible bodies. Before moving or reshaping of a monument, in necessary cases – during the process, the responsible body should organise the scientific research of the monument and take photos. The costs of works, proposed under this article, should be done by the organisation asking for the permission. Article 22. The Land Allocation for the Constructions and Other kind of Works in the Territories included Monuments, the Adoption of Plans and Provision of Security and the Protection during the Works. In the territories with monuments the plans on agricultural and other works concerning land allocation, constructions and engineering works for communications, should be adopted by responsible body. If in the territories with monuments the mentioned works could damage the monument or threaten its safety, the protecting, restorating and, in exceptional cases, moving or other measures, suggested by the responsible bodies, should be done by means of the contractors.

Article 23. The co-operation with Society in the Protection and Utilisation of Monuments.

Chapter 5. Investigation of the Monuments and Archaeological Excavations

Article 24. The Aims of the Investigation of Monuments and Archaeological Excavations (consist of 3 paragraphs) Article 25. Permission for the Investigation of Monuments and Archaeological Excavations. Article 26. Interagency Archaeological Commission Article 27. Initiators of Archaeological Excavations Article 28. Leader of Investigations and Archaeological Excavations Article 29. Forbiddance of the Complete Excavations of Archaeological Sites

Chapter 6. Strengthening, Renovation and Restoration of Monuments

Article 30. The Aims of Strengthening, Renovation and Restoration of Monuments Article 31 Customer of the Works on Strengthening, Renovation and Restoration of Monuments Article 32. Executors of the Works on Strengthening, Renovation and Restoration of Monuments Article 33. Cancellation of the Works on Strengthening, Renovation and Restoration of Monuments.

Chapter 7 Ownership of Monuments

Article 34.Regulations Relating to the Ownership of Monuments Article 35. Monuments considered as a State Property Article 36. Obligations of the Owner of the Monument The owner of the monument due: a) to provide the safety and the protection of the monument b) to give the protection license to the responsible body in the case of governmental protection level, or to the regional governing body, in the case of local protection level, according to the existing rules, c) to provide the access to the monument for research and for protection control, d) to realise the reconstruction, restoration and enhancing works and the works on the improvement of the environment as well, the plans previously in co-ordination with the responsible body. e) to keep the monument in a clear and good condition, to eliminate the damages of the monument and of it's surroundings appearing by its use. f) to inform the responsible body in the case of any changes of ownership of the monument. Article 37. Cancellation of Ownership

Chapter 8 Utilisation of Monuments

Article 38. Main Aims of the Utilisation of Monuments Article 39. Provision of Utilisation of Monuments Article 40. Cancellation of Utilisation of Monuments Article 41. Utilisation of Monuments Aimed at the Advertisement

Chapter 9 Financing of the Sphere of the Protection and Utilisation of Monuments

Article 42. Financing of the Sphere of the Protection and Utilisation of Monuments Article 43. Governmental Financing of the Sphere of the Protection and Utilisation of Monuments.

Chapter 10. Responsibilities in the Sphere of Financing of the Sphere of the Protection and Utilisation of Monuments

Article 44. Responsibilities for the Violation of the Legal Instruments on Protection and Utilisation of Monuments Article 45. Restorations and Compensations in the Case of Causing Damages to the Monument or to the Protecting Zones The companies or personalities, causing damage to the monuments or to their protecting zones, due to restore them in their previous condition or, in the case it is impossible to do, due to pay an adequate contribution according to the legislation of the Republic of Armenia.

Chapter 11. International Treaties

Article 47 International Treaties

Chapter 12. Final Claus

Article 47 Final Claus.

Signature of the President of Republic of Armenia

12 December, 1998 Category of property Echmiatsin/Zvartnots (Armenia) In terms of the categories of cultural property set out in Article 1 of the 1972 World Heritage Convention, this is a group of buildings. No 1011

History and Description Vagharshapat (now Echmiatsin) was an ancient settlement; research has revealed its layout in the 3rd–4th centuries BCE. It was destroyed and rebuilt many times, as a result Identification of invasions from both east and west. At the end of the 19th century the population was about 10,000. During the Nomination The Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin Soviet period Echmiatsin became a regional centre and the and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots population grew to 61,000 with a territory of some 2000ha.

Location Armavir Marz (Region) The Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin is the most ancient Christian temple in Armenia. It was built in 301–303 by State Party Republic of Armenia Gregor Lousavorich (Saint Gregory the Illuminator), the founder of the Armenian Apostolic Church, in Date 9 July 1999 Vagharshapat (the former name of Echmiatsin), the capital and religious centre of Armenia at that time. Echmiatsin Cathedral was originally a vaulted basilica. Serious damage was caused to it as a result of political upheavals and it received its present cruciform plan during Justification by State Party restoration work by Vahan Mamikonian, the Governor of Armenia in 480. In 618 Katholicos Komitas replaced the The Armenian culture is one of the world’s oldest. It wooden cupola with an identical one in stone. Its mass is carries all the layers of human civilisation. The beginning supported on four massive independent pillars connected of the new period of the history of Armenia is considered by slender arcades with the exterior walls; those on the to be 301 CE, when Armenia declared Christianity as its northern side belonged to the 4th and 5th centuries. This state religion. According to the great 5th century Armenian structure survives almost unchanged. historian Agatangeghos (Agafangel in Greek), St Gregor Lousavorich (St Gregory the Illuminator), first Patriarch of A three-tier belfry was built in front of the western Armenia, had a vision. Christ came down from Heaven and entrance in the 17th century. The six-column rotundas on touched the earth with a golden hammer. In that place a four-pillar bases, built at the beginning of the 18th century church was built called Echmiatsin, “the place where the over the northern, eastern, and southern apses, give the Only Begotten descended.” cathedral a five-domed outline. The interior murals, created by the Armenian painter Hovnatan in 1720, were Scholars have variously interpreted the original restored and further worked on by his grandson in 1782– construction of Echmiatsin Main Cathedral. In its present 86. Rich gifts of church plate and valuable pieces of art form it is the result of reconstruction carried out in the were stored in three buildings added to the eastern side of 5th–7th centuries and belongs to the central domed cross- the cathedral in 1869; they now house the monastery's hall type. It is, in fact, the prototype of all later museum. Around the courtyard of the monastery are the constructions of the same type. Since the 15th century buildings of the Catholicossat, a school, winter and Echmiatsin with the Main Cathedral and surrounding other summer refectories, a hostel, and Trdat's Gate, built in the buildings has served as the Mother See of the Armenian 17th–19th centuries. On the initiative of Katholicos Apostolic Church and the residence of the All-Armenian Vazgen I, scientific restoration work has recently been Catholicos. Besides the Main Cathedral, there are the undertaken, in the course of which excavations have Churches of St Gayaneh, St Hripsimeh, Sourb Astvatsatsin revealed finds from the pagan era, such as a sacrificial altar (Mother of Christ), St Shoghakat, and others. and an Urartian stele in granite. Three separate areas are nominated for inscription: The Church of St Hripsimeh (618) represents the perfect 1. The Mother Cathedral of Echmiatsin and St Gayaneh example of cruciform plan and central cupola. Its dominant Church (30.2ha); feature is the basic harmony of layout and proportions, as well as the simplicity and classical purity of its facades, the 2. Saint Hripsimeh Church and St Shoghakat Church outstanding qualities of the Armenian architecture of the (25.3ha); High Middle Ages. Apart from the addition of a bell-tower in the 17th century, the monument has undergone no 3. The Archaeological site of Zvartnots with the ruins of fundamental transformation. The Church of St Gayaneh the Temple, the Royal Palace, and other constructions was built in Echmiatzin by the Catholicos Yezr in 630. Its (18.8ha). __ Criteria iii, iv, and v distinctive features are its slender and delicate proportions. A dome and ceilings were rebuilt in the 17th century, when a spacious arched portico was built along the western facade as the burial place for the most senior Armenian clergy.

29 The Zvartnots Archaeological Site is a unique example of Funding for all work of maintenance, conservation, and Armenian architecture of the early Christian period. The restoration comes variously from the central Government, temple was built under Catholicos Nerses III (The Builder) the Municipality of Echmiatsin, the Mother See of in the mid 7th century. He relinquished the Catholicossal Echmiatsin, the Armenian Fund for the Protection of throne for a time in 652, but after his return to office in Historic Cultural Monuments, and personal donations. 658 he completed the construction of the Temple with its Echmiatsin is one of the most visited sites in Armenia. In secular annexes and its ramparts in 662. the 1980s about 220,000 tourists and pilgrims visited Zvartnots is an innovatory expression of Armenian Echmiatsin, but after the economic crisis the number of religious architecture in the 7th century, and as such it visitors has declined to around 40,000. The Government is exerted a major influence on the architecture not only of its expecting the expansion of tourism in Armenia with the own time but also on that of later centuries. Circular in forthcoming celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the plan and three-tiered, its only borrowing from earlier adoption of Christianity. The General City Plan for cruciform and central cupola churches was the interior Echmiatsin, prepared in 1997, has been approved by the cruciform plan, which was set inside walls that were central Government; it contains provisions relating circular on the inside but polyhedral on the outside. specifically to the protection and presentation of the Refinements worked out with great subtlety are to be found historic heritage and its role in tourism development. in the capitals decorated with basket weave or eagle Responsible bodies of the Armenian Government are at the ornament, in the great variety of the external wall carving, present time working on the Management Plan for in the fillets surrounding the windows, and even on the Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots, and smallest surfaces. this will be in force early in 2001. The plan will include The remains of Zvartnots and its related buildings, which further restoration work on the monuments and the had been destroyed by an earthquake in the 10th century, development of tourism. were revealed at the beginning of the 20th century by the architect Thoros Thoramanian, who carried out the first reconstruction project. Conservation and Authenticity Conservation history Management and Protection The Government of the Soviet Republic of Armenia decided in January 1945 to improve the historical part of Legal status Echmiatsin. In May 1948, the Council of Ministers of The monuments included in the present nomination are Armenia granted state-level protection to the city. In the protected under the provisions of the National Law on decades that followed protection was extended to many Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments, and in individual monuments. particular by Articles 19, 21, 22, 36 and 45. All Over the same period a number of restoration and interventions that may affect the character or significance conservation projects were carried out. These included: of monuments and sites require official authorization. - conservation of Zvartnots archaeological site and Management part-reconstruction of the Church of St Gregor, 1952- The owners of the properties that make up this nomination 73; are the Mother See of Echmiatsin, the Municipality of the - renovation of the Church of St Hripsimeh, 1959; City, and the State Department for Protection and Preservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments. The - renovation of the Mother Cathedral, 1965; churches and their immediate surroundings belong to the Mother See, the protection and buffer zones mainly belong - renovation of the Church of St Gayaneh, 1970; to the municipality (administered by the Office of the - restoration of the bell-tower of the Church of St General Architect). The archaeological site of Zvartnots is Mariam Astvatsatsin, 1978; owned and managed by the State Department on Protection and Preservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments - renovation of the Seminarium, 1998. through its Directorate of the Zvartnots Historical Cultural Most of the ecclesiastical monuments are in good Reservation–Museum. condition. Some are being renovated and restoration plans Most of the monuments included in the nomination are are being prepared for the others. The Mother See is taking protected at national level, but some (or parts of them) are care of the churches in use in co-ordination with the State protected at regional level. A special body, in each marz Department of Protection of Historic and Cultural (region) is responsible for the protection of the latter group Monuments and the Municipality of Echmiatsin. At the of monuments. However, the State Department on present time restoration and consolidation work is in Protection and Preservation of Historical and Cultural progress on some parts of the walls of the lowest tier of the Monuments exercises overall supervisory control over Zvartnots Temple. these regional bodies. Authenticity There is an effective buffer zone around each of the The authenticity of the ecclesiastical monuments is properties which regulates all activities that may have reasonable, given that they have been in religious use for adverse impacts on their settings. many centuries and have been subject to changes in liturgy and fashion over that period. The archaeological site is fully authentic, since it consist solely of excavated remains of

30 vanished structures. However, some of the restoration work The State Party has accepted the proposal of ICOMOS for is not fully in conformity with the principles of the 1964 the renaming of the nominated property. Venice Charter.

Brief description Evaluation The cathedral and churches of Echmiatsin and the Action by ICOMOS archaeological remains at Zvartnots graphically illustrate the evolution and flowering of the Armenian central-domed An ICOMOS expert mission visited the property in May cross-hall type of church. 2000.

Qualities Recommendation The religious buildings and archaeological remains in Echmiatsin bears witness to the implantation of Christianity That this property be inscribed on the World Heritage List on in Armenia and to the evolution of a unique Armenian the basis of criteria ii and iii: ecclesiastical architecture. This exerted a profound influence on architectural and artistic development in the region. Criterion ii The developments in ecclesiastical architecture represented in an outstanding manner by the Comparative analysis churches at Echmiatsin and the archaeological site of Zvartnots had a profound influence on church design Armenian architecture has been the subject of intensive study over a wide region. by specialists from the Architecture Faculty of the Politecnico di Milano and the Armenian Academy of Criterion iii The churches at Echmiatsin and the Sciences. This has resulted in the production of a series of archaeological site of Zvartnots vividly depict both the scholarly studies of the main architectural monuments. spirituality and the innovatory artistic achievement of the Armenian Church from its foundation. In the volume devoted to Echmiatsin it is pointed out that it is difficult to compare the early Christian buildings there with other structures of the central domed cross-hall type in the region, since it was essentially here that the form evolved ICOMOS, October 2000 from Byzantine prototypes and served as the model for most subsequent buildings. ICOMOS recommendations for future action The ICOMOS expert mission expressed concern about the proposal to construct a large open-air sanctuary near the Katholikon at Echmiatsin, which appeared to be out of sympathy with the existing monumental buildings. It also had some reservations about the nature of the restoration work carried out at Zvartnots, although it is recognized by ICOMOS that this had taken place at a period when contemporary approaches to restoration were not actively applied in the former USSR. It is accepted that any future restoration work should be carried out in accordance with present-day standards. At the meeting of the Bureau in June 2000 this nomination was referred back to the State Party, asking for reconsideration of the open-air sanctuary project and recommending that the name of the property be revised to “The Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots.” At the request of ICOMOS, one of its senior members who was carrying out another mission in Armenia in September visited Echmiatsin and discussed the Sanctuary project with His Holiness the Katholikos of All Armenians. Following this meeting, a new plan has been provided which shows that the new open-air altar will now be located outside the area proposed for inscription. It will be situated in an area of gardens, the landscaping of which is to be improved (including the removal of a car-park). This information has subsequently been confirmed by the State Party. ICOMOS believes that the new structure in the location proposed will have no adverse impact on the setting of the nominated site, which will, in fact, be improved as a result of the new landscaping proposals.

31 Catégorie de bien

Etchmiadzine/Zvarnotz (Arménie) En termes de catégories de biens culturels, telles qu’elles sont définies à l’article premier de la Convention du No 1011 Patrimoine mondial de 1972, il s’agit d’un ensemble.

Histoire et description

Vagharchapat (ancien nom d’Etchmiadzine) était un Identification peuplement ancien ; les recherches ont révélé son apparition aux IIIe-IVe siècles avant notre ère. Le site fut Bien proposé La cathédrale et les églises détruit et reconstruit d’innombrables fois, suite aux d’Etchmiadzine et le site archéologique invasions venues de l’est comme de l’ouest. À la fin du de Zvarnotz XIXe siècle, la population avoisinait les 10 000 habitants. Pendant la période soviétique, Etchmiadzine devint un Lieu Armavir Marz (région) centre régional, avec quelques 61 000 habitants et un territoire de 2001 hectares. État partie République d’Arménie La cathédrale d’Etchmiadzine est le plus ancien temple Date 9 juillet 1999 chrétien d’Arménie. Elle fut en effet construite en 301-303 par Gregor Lousavorich (saint Grégoire l’Illuminateur), fondateur de l’Église apostolique d’Arménie, à Vagharchapat (ancien nom d’Etchmiadzine), alors capitale Justification émanant de l’État partie et cœur religieux de l’Arménie.

La culture arménienne est l’une des plus anciennes au La cathédrale d’Etchmiadzine était à l’origine une monde. Elle a traversé toutes les étapes de la civilisation basilique voûtée. Mais elle fut gravement endommagée à humaine. On considère que l’Arménie est entrée dans la l’occasion de soulèvements politiques, et prit son actuel nouvelle ère de son histoire en 301, avec l’adoption du plan cruciforme au cours des travaux de restauration christianisme comme religion officielle. Selon le grand ordonnés par Vahan Mamikonian, gouverneur d’Arménie historien arménien du Ve siècle, Agatangeghos (Agafangel en 480. En 618, le catholicos Komitas fit remplacer la en grec), Gregor Lousavorich, saint Grégoire coupole de bois par une autre identique, mais en pierre l’Illuminateur, premier patriarche d’Arménie, eut une cette fois, soutenue par quatre énormes piliers vision. Le Christ descendit du ciel et toucha la terre avec indépendants reliés par des arcades élancées aux parois un marteau d’or. À cet endroit fut donc construite une extérieures. Celles situées du côté nord datent des IVe et église baptisée Etchmiadzine, « le lieu où l’Unique est Ve siècles. Cette structure subsiste quasiment intacte. descendu ». Au XVIIe siècle, un campanile de trois étages fut construit Les érudits ont proposé diverses interprétations pour la en face de l’entrée ouest. Les rotondes à six colonnes, sur construction originale de la grande cathédrale des bases à quatre piliers, construites au début du XVIIIe d’Etchmiadzine. Sous sa forme actuelle, elle résulte de siècle sur les absides nord, est et sud, donnent à la reconstructions réalisées entre les Ve et VIIe siècles, et se cathédrale un aspect à cinq coupoles. Les fresques range parmi les églises halle à coupole centrale et plan intérieures, du peintre arménien Hovnatanian en 1720, cruciforme. C’est en fait le prototype de toutes les furent restaurées et retravaillées par son petit-fils entre constructions ultérieures de même type. Depuis le 1782 et 1786. Les trois bâtiments ajoutés à l’aile est de la XVe siècle, Etchmiadzine, avec la grande cathédrale et les cathédrale en 1869 abritèrent dès cette date les riches dons autres édifices environnants, est le siège de l’Église qui constituèrent le trésor de d’église et des œuvres d’art apostolique d’Arménie et la résidence des catholicos de grande valeur ; c’est là que se trouve aujourd’hui le arméniens. À côté de la grande cathédrale se trouvent les musée du monastère. Encerclant la cour du monastère, les églises Sainte-Gaïané, Sainte-Hripsimé, Sourb Astvatsatsin bâtiments du Catholicossat, une école, les réfectoires (mère du Christ), Saint-Chogakat, et d’autres encore. d’hiver et d’été, un hôtel et la porte de Trdat furent construits entre le XVIIe et le XIXe siècle. Sur l’initiative Trois zones distinctes sont proposées pour inscription : du catholicos Vazgen Ier, des travaux de restauration scientifique ont récemment été entrepris, au cours desquels 1. La grande cathédrale d’Etchmiadzine et l’église les fouilles ont révélé des vestiges de l’ère païenne, avec Sainte-Gaïané (30,2 hectares) ; entre autres un autel sacrificiel et une stèle urartienne en granit. 2. L’église Sainte-Hripsimé et l’église Saint-Chogakat (25,3 hectares) ; L’église Sainte-Hripsimé (618) est l’exemple même d’église à plan cruciforme et coupole centrale. Sa 3. Le site archéologique de Zvarnotz, avec les ruines du principale caractéristique est l’harmonie fondamentale du temple, du palais royal et d’autres constructions tracé et des proportions, ainsi que la simplicité et la pureté (18,8 hectares). classique de ses façades, traits propres à l’architecture Critères iii, iv et v arménienne du Haut Moyen Âge. Hormis une tour-clocher ajoutée au XVIIe siècle, le monument n’a subi aucune

196 transformation importante. L’église Sainte-Gaïané fut La majorité des monuments inclus dans le bien proposé construite à Etchmiadzine par le catholicos Erz en 630. pour inscription font l’objet d’une protection nationale, Elle se distingue par ses proportions élancées et délicates. mais certains d’entre eux (ou certaines parties de ces Un dôme et les plafonds furent reconstruits au derniers) sont protégés au niveau régional. Dans chaque XVIIe siècle, parallèlement à la construction d’un grand marz (région), un organisme spécialisé est chargé de la portique à arcade le long de la façade occidentale, destiné à protection de ces groupes de monuments. Toutefois, le accueillir les dépouilles des membres les plus éminents du département d’État de la protection et de la préservation clergé arménien. des monuments historiques et culturels n’en exerce pas moins un contrôle global sur ces organismes régionaux. Le site archéologique de Zvarnotz est un exemple unique d’architecture arménienne du début de l’ère chrétienne. Ce Autour de chacun des biens, une zone tampon efficace temple fut construit par le catholicos Nersès III, dit le réglemente toutes les activités susceptibles de porter Constructeur, au milieu du VIIe siècle. Après avoir préjudice à leur environnement. abandonné le trône de catholicos pour un temps, en 652, il reprit ses fonctions en 658, et acheva la construction du Le financement de tous les travaux de maintenance, de temple, de ses annexes séculières et de ses remparts en conservation et de restauration émane du gouvernement 662. central, de la municipalité d’Etchmiadzine, du patriarcat d’Etchmiadzine, du Fonds arménien pour la protection des Zvarnotz est une expression novatrice de l’architecture monuments historiques et culturels, et de dons de religieuse arménienne du VIIe siècle et, à ce titre, a exercé particuliers. une influence majeure non seulement sur l’architecture de sa propre époque, mais aussi sur celle des siècles qui Etchmiadzine est l’un des sites les plus visités d’Arménie. suivirent. De plan circulaire, avec ses trois tambours, elle Dans les années 80, 220 000 touristes et pèlerins, environ, ne fait qu’une concession aux églises antérieures, de plan visitèrent Etchmiadzine, mais après la crise économique, cruciforme et à coupole centrale : le plan cruciforme ce nombre tomba à 40 000. Le gouvernement prévoit intérieur, à l’intérieur de murs circulaires en dedans mais l’accroissement du tourisme en Arménie, avec la polyédriques en dehors. Des détails d’une grande subtilité célébration prochaine des 1700 ans de l’adoption du ornent les chapiteaux, décorés de tresses ou d’aigles, tout christianisme. Le gouvernement central a agréé le plan aussi raffinés que l’extrême variété de sculptures sur les d’urbanisme général d’Etchmiadzine, préparé en 1997, qui murs extérieurs, dans les filets entourant les fenêtres, et contient des dispositions portant spécifiquement sur la même sur les surfaces les plus petites. protection et la présentation du patrimoine historique et son rôle dans le développement du tourisme. Les vestiges de Zvarnotz et de ses édifices annexes, détruits par un tremblement de terre au Xe siècle, furent Les instances compétentes du gouvernement arménien mis au jour au début du XXe siècle par l’architecte Thoros travaillent actuellement sur le plan de gestion Thoramanian, chargé du premier projet de reconstruction. d’Etchmiadzine et du site archéologique de Zvarnotz et, il sera en vigueur au début de l’année 2001. Ce plan prévoira entre autres des travaux de restauration supplémentaires Gestion et protection sur les monuments et le développement du tourisme.

Statut juridique Conservation et authenticité Les monuments inclus dans cette proposition d’inscription sont protégés par les dispositions de la loi nationale sur la Historique de la conservation protection des monuments historiques et culturels, et en particulier par ses articles 19, 21, 22, 36 et 45. Toutes les Le gouvernement de la République soviétique d’Arménie a interventions susceptibles d’affecter le caractère ou décidé en janvier 1945 d’améliorer la partie historique l’importance des monuments et des sites nécessitent une d’Etchmiadzine. Ainsi, en mai 1948, le conseil des autorisation officielle. ministres d’Arménie accorda la protection de l’État à la ville. Dans les décennies qui suivirent, la protection Gestion s’étendit à de nombreux monuments individuels.

Les propriétaires des biens composant cette proposition Sur la même période, un certain nombre de projets de d’inscription sont le siège du patriarcat d’Etchmiadzine, la restauration et de conservation furent réalisés. Parmi eux : municipalité de la ville, et le département d’État pour la protection et la préservation des monuments historiques et - La conservation du site archéologique de Zvarnotz et culturels. Les églises et leur environnement immédiat la reconstruction partielle de l’église Saint-Grégoire, appartiennent au patriarcat, tandis que la zone de 1952-1973 ; protection et la zone tampon relèvent principalement de la municipalité (sous la responsabilité du Bureau de - La rénovation de l’église Sainte-Hripsimé, 1959 ; l’architecte général). Le site archéologique de Zvarnotz appartient et est géré par le département d’État de la - La rénovation de la grande cathédrale, 1965 ; protection et de la préservation des monuments historiques et culturels, par l’intermédiaire de sa Direction de la - La rénovation de l’église Sainte-Gaïané, 1970 ; réserve culturelle et historique et du musée de Zvarnotz.

197 - La restauration de la tour-clocher de l’église Sainte- nature des travaux de restauration qui ont été réalisés à Mariam-Astvatsatsin, 1978 ; Zvarnotz bien que l’ICOMOS reconnaisse que ces derniers aient été réalisés à une période où les approches modernes - La rénovation du séminaire, 1998. de la restauration n’étaient pas appliquées activement dans l’ancienne URSS. Il est accepté que tout autre travail de La plupart des monuments ecclésiastiques sont en bon état. restauration à venir devrait être réalisé suivant les normes Certains sont en cours de rénovation ; des plans de actuelles. restauration sont en cours d’élaboration pour les autres. Le patriarcat prend soin des églises ouvertes au culte, en À la réunion du Bureau en juin 2000, cette proposition coopération avec le département d’État de la protection des d’inscription a été renvoyée à l’État partie en demandant une monuments historiques et culturels et la municipalité reconsidération du projet du sanctuaire à ciel-ouvert et en d’Etchmiadzine. Actuellement, certaines parties des murs recommandant que le nom du bien soit changé en « La du bas du temple de Zvarnotz font l’objet de travaux de cathédrale et les églises d’Etchmiadzine et le site restauration et de consolidation. archéologique de Zvarnotz ».

Authenticité À la demande de l’ICOMOS, un de ses membres distingués qui réalisait une autre mission en Arménie en L’authenticité des monuments ecclésiastiques est septembre s’est rendu à Etchmiadzine et s’est entretenu du raisonnable, étant donné qu’ils remplissent leurs fonctions projet de sanctuaire avec Sa Sainteté le Katholikos de Tous religieuses depuis plusieurs siècles, avec les changements les Arméniens. À la suite de cette entrevue, un nouveau obligés dans la liturgie et la mode sur une telle période. plan a été fourni indiquant que le nouvel autel à ciel-ouvert Quant au site archéologique, il est parfaitement authentique, sera désormais installé à l’extérieur de la zone proposée puisqu’il se compose exclusivement de vestiges fouillés des pour inscription. Il sera situé dans une zone de jardins dont structures disparues. Toutefois, quelques uns des travaux de l’aménagement paysager sera amélioré (incluant le restauration ne se conforment pas entièrement à la Charte de déplacement d’un parc de stationnement). L’État partie a Venise de 1964. confirmé cette information par la suite. L’ICOMOS considère que la nouvelle structure sur l’emplacement proposé n’aura pas d’impact défavorable sur le cadre du Évaluation site proposé pour inscription qui sera, en fait, amélioré à la suite des nouvelles propositions d’aménagement paysager. Action de l’ICOMOS

Une mission d’expertise de l’ICOMOS a visité le site en mai Brève description 2000. La cathédrale et les églises d’Etchmiadzine et les vestiges Caractéristiques archéologiques de Zvarnotz illustrent d’une manière vivante l’évolution et l’épanouissement de l’église halle arménienne Les édifices religieux et vestiges archéologiques à coupole centrale et plan cruciforme. d’Etchmiadzine témoignent de l’implantation du christianisme en Arménie et de l’évolution d’une architecture ecclésiastique arménienne unique. Celle-ci a exercé une Recommandation profonde influence sur les développements architecturaux et artistiques dans la région. Que ce bien soit inscrit sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial sur la base des critères ii et iii : Analyse comparative Critère ii L’évolution de l’architecture religieuse, L’architecture arménienne a fait l’objet d’études nombreuses représentée de façon exceptionnelle par les églises de la part des spécialistes de la faculté d’architecture de d’Etchmiadzine et le site archéologique de Zvarnotz, a Milan et de l’Académie des Sciences d’Arménie. Ce travail a eu une profonde influence sur la conception des églises, abouti à la production d’une série d’études scientifiques sur et ce dans une vaste région. les principaux monuments architecturaux. Critère iii Les églises d’Etchmiadzine et le site Dans l’ouvrage consacré à Etchmiadzine, il est spécifié qu’il archéologique de Zvarnotz dépeignent avec force la est difficile de comparer les premiers édifices chrétiens à spiritualité et l’esprit d’innovation artistique qui furent d’autres structures du type église halle à coupole centrale et l’apanage de l’Église arménienne dès sa fondation. plan cruciforme dans la région, car c’est fondamentalement là que la forme naquit, à partir des prototypes byzantins, et servit de modèle à la majorité des édifices qui suivirent. ICOMOS, octobre 2000 Recommandations de l’ICOMOS pour des actions futures

La mission d’expertise de l’ICOMOS était préoccupée par la proposition de reconstruire un grand sanctuaire à ciel- ouvert à proximité du katholikon à Etchmiadzine qui semblait ne pas avoir d’affinités avec les monuments existants. Elle exprimait également quelques réserves sur la

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